Charles Archibald Evans
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Charles Archibald was the only son of John Henry and Isabella Evans (née Roper). His father John Henry Evans was born in Leicestershire in about 1858 and his mother Isabella Roper in Nottinghamshire in 1862. They were married at Normanton on Soar St James on 11 October 1890 and had four children who were born in Normanton on Soar between 1892 and 1897 and baptised at the parish church of St James: Dorothy Adeline, Charles Archibald b. 1893 bap. 3 December 1893, Kathleen Agnes and Ivy. John, a stone mason who worked at a stone and terracotta works, and Isabella lived in Normanton on Soar after their marriage. In 1901 they were living at 'Ivydene' Main Street, with their four children Dorothy (8), Charles (7), Kathleen (6) and Ivy (1) John and Isabella were still living at the same address in 1911. All four children were in the home on the night of the census: Dorothy an elementary school teacher, Charles an apprentice (electrical engineering), Kathleen a draper dealer's apprentice and Ivy who was still at school. John completed a form for the army in 1919 listing his son's surviving blood relatives. Parents: John Henry and Isabella of Normanton on Soar Sisters: Kathleen Evans and Ivy Evans of Normanton on Soar and Dorothy Smith of Keighley Yorkshire (m. Howard Smith at St James, July 1915. Report Loughborough Echo, 30 July 1915). John Henry died in 1933. In 1939 when the England & Wales Register was compiled his widow Isabella was living at 'Ivydene' with their two unmarried daughters. She died in 1949.
10th Bn King's Royal Rifle Corps Charles attested in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire, on 7 September 1914 aged 20 years 300 days. He was posted to the KRRC at Winchester on 9 September and served at home until embarking at Folkstone on 21 July 1915 to join the British Expeditionary Force in France. Charles was killed in action during the Battle of the Somme on 29 August 1916. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France (Pier 13A and 13B). He served for 317 days at home and 1 year 41 days in France, a total of 1 year 358 days. Charles qualified for the 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Inscription family memorial: ‘In loving memory of Charles Archibald Evans, 10th Batt. King’s Royal Rifle Corps, only son of John Henry & Isabella Evans of this parish. He volunteered for his King and country in the Great European War, September 1914 and fell in action in the Somme battle, August 29th , 1916. Aged 22 years. In God have I put my trust. Psm.LVI.II.’ Leicester Evening Mail, 23 September 1916: ‘Local Casualties. Killed in Action. King’s Royal Rifle Corps. 3041 C Evans (Loughboro).’ (www.britishnewspapearchive.co.uk) Loughborough Echo, ‘Roll of Honour’, 20 October 1916: ‘EvaNS. Kkilled in action, Augst 29th Rifleman CA Evans, King’s Royal Rifles, only son of Mr and Mrs JH Evans, ‘Ivydene’ Normanton-on-Soar, age 22 years.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Registers of Soldiers' Effects: father John sole legatee Charles' personal property was returned to his parents in 1920 and comprised: letters, photos, cards, pocket book, purse and 3 coins, Artillery cap badge.
